Inmates released from Afghan prison defying US protests

Inmates released from Afghan prison defying US protests

This Reuters file photo shows Afghan National Army soldiers escorting newly freed prisoners after a ceremony handing over the Bagram prison to Afghan authorities, at the US airbase in Bagram, north of Kabul in 2012

Sixty-five detainees have been released from Afghanistan's Bagram detention centre, local officials say, despite strong protests by the US.

Washington argues the move is dangerous, saying it has evidence the men were responsible for carrying out attacks on Nato and Afghan troops.

But Kabul insists there is not enough evidence against the detainees.

Hundreds of prisoners at Bagram jail have been freed since it was put under Afghan control in March last year.

'NEW LOW'

The detainees began to emerge from the gates of prison in groups of half a dozen or so on Thursday morning, the BBC's Kabul correspondent reports.

Some were reportedly laughing and smiling as they boarded a bus and taxis to leave the facility.

The Americans believe the releases violate the Bagram transfer agreement because evidence against the men has not been considered.

Washington says one of the men was captured after being wounded during an attack on Afghan forces.